Police: Baby died after mom fed her meth to offset methadone

PHOENIX – Authorities say a Phoenix woman has been arrested in her daughter’s death after giving the toddler methamphetamine in an effort to counteract the methadone she had consumed from an open container.

Police say 30-year-old Natalie Russell was arrested last week on suspicion of one count of first-degree murder and two counts of child abuse.

They say 22-month-old Adalynn Russell died on April 14 and autopsy results showed she had toxic levels of methadone and methamphetamines in her system. Methadone is a drug used to prevent withdrawal symptoms in those addicted to opiates.

Officers were called to the family’s home in response to a child not breathing. Paramedics worked to revive the girl, but she died at the scene.